Printed Foil Beverage Can Lid Opening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to print high-quality brand images or text on beverage can lids due to the protruding opening mechanism and the complexity of extending prints across the lid without damaging the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a thin foil member with printed images or text is attached to the beverage can lid, featuring cut-out segments that align with the lid's weakened areas, allowing the lid to be opened without damaging the foil, while maintaining protection against insects and dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If text and symbols are printed directly on the lid, then the trademark is visible from above, but the printing process becomes complicated and cumbersome due to the protruding opening mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into two functional zones: a printable top surface area and an opening mechanism area. The foil member is positioned to cover the top surface where printing occurs, while the opening mechanism remains accessible and functional. This segmentation allows conventional printing methods to be used on the lid without interference from the opening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A foil member is introduced as an intermediary layer between the printing surface and the opening mechanism. The foil member with printed images or text is adhered to the top surface of the lid, allowing the print to be applied using conventional methods while the foil itself manages the interaction with the opening mechanism during can opening.
2Shape
If the print extends across the opening mechanism, then the brand image is continuous, but the opening mechanism becomes damaged or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The foil member is designed with a specific geometric configuration that segments the brand image placement. The foil extends across the top surface to provide continuous branding visibility, but its shape and positioning are engineered to accommodate the opening mechanism's movement, preventing damage while maintaining visual continuity from above.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the printing constraint from a two-dimensional flat surface problem to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The foil member is positioned and shaped to cover the top surface where branding is needed, while its edges and configuration allow the opening mechanism to function in the vertical dimension without compromising the printed brand image.
3Manufacturing precision
If a foil member is adhered to the lid, then high quality branding is achieved, but the opening process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The foil member with the printed brand image is pre-adhered to the top surface of the lid during the manufacturing process, before the can reaches the consumer. This preliminary action ensures high-quality branding is achieved through conventional printing methods, while the foil's configuration is designed in advance to work seamlessly with the opening mechanism during use.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method is for adding images or text on a beverage can lid. A beverage can lid (136) is provided that has a handle member (134), the handle member (134) attached to a top surface of the beverage can lid (136). An image (120) is printed on the foil member. The printed foil member (100) is placed on top of the top surface of the beverage can lid so that a first cut out segment (114) is placed above the handle member and a second cut out segment (116) is aligned with a weakened segment (131) of the beverage can lid (136). With the foil member (100) placed on top of the weakened segment (131), the handle member (132) is lifted to engage the weakened segment (131) and push the second cut out segment (116) and a portion of the weakened segment (131) through the beverage can lid (136).